The Ocean State comes with plenty of seafood and locally-sourced restaurants taking you from farm to table! Here are some spots showcasing cuisine from around the world in
Los Andes: The front of this Peruvian and Bolivian restaurant is extremely understated. It almost looks like a tiny dark dive bar that happens to have valet service. But once you walk in, the restaurant opens up to two giant sections, a third slightly-smaller section on a platform in the corner, and even an outside spot for the warm summers.
Their dishes are mouth-watering, even if you’ve never tried Peruvian or Bolivian food; servers are also great at recommending dishes, including the popular ceviche, churrasco
This spot is near and dear to me because whenever I have an out-of-town visitor, this is the spot they enjoy the most. I love it especially when a first-timer gives me a questionable look when getting to the front of the restaurant, but the shock happens when they enter and when they eat.
The prices are also reasonable, appetizers (with good proportions) running about $9 – $12, while the bigger entrees (you may have leftovers!) run around $20, give or take some depending on your order. Their menu and specials rotate often.
Reserve your spot online, and early! Even when you get there with a reservation, there may sometimes be a slight wait, but at least that means you’re in the queue. Sadly (Awesome’ly?), whenever I go to the restaurant, I must scarf the food right when it’s placed in front of me because I can’t find my own photos.
Map your GPS to: 903 Chalkstone Ave, Providence, RI 02908
Courtesy: los_andes_restaurant_ri Instagram. Dish: Veal chop over creamy queso blanco, polenta, charred asparagus.
Courtesy: los_andes_restaurant_ri Instagram. Dish: Spanish octopus, mussels, shrimp, clams.
Italian Corner: We actually found this spot one day on assignment when I was reporting. My photographer (cameraman) thought it was worth a try; he heard good things. These are incredible subs, also known as “grinders” in Rhode Island.
My doctor’s office is across the street, and whenever I had an appointments (hate the doctor’s office), this would be my treat. Especially if I had to have blood drawn.
You may remember this spot because it was featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-in and Dives as Guy’s pick as one of the few outstanding deli spots in America. It’s truly a staple in Rhode Island, a local spot away from the hustle and bustle of Providence, in East Providence, which is actually a different town.
Most sandwiches have been classic favorites from other out-of-town visitors I take, but my favorite is the #12: Porchetta Grinder. It’s a classic Roman sandwich: imported from Italy Roasted pork with provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato
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There’s outdoor seating, which is great during the summer, and they do serve alcohol. Read: house margarita mix, and other beers. Friends and I drop by here a lot for lunch, although there’s often a line and a bit of a wait for the food to come out. My go-to: carnitas tacos — pork tacos. Each taco runs $3.75 (slightly pricey). Burrito bowls are between $8 – $11.
Map your GPS to the main location: 146 Ives Street, Providence, RI
International Pockets Cafe: Alright, this is a treat for me when I’m feeling some feels. Mostly because I can sit quietly and eat. I like this Mediterranean slight hole-in-the-wall deli-feeling spot because it’s an authentic and local family-owned business.
When you walk in, they even give you a sample of their falafel. And I’m sold. My go-to one the menu: Falafel (of course) which is served with pita bread and sauces ; it runs at $5.55; I also like the grilled buffalo chicken wrap ($6.99); and for dessert, you absolutely have to try baklava ($4.99 small; $9.99 for a large). Affordable for what you’re getting.
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New Asia House: Speaking of feeling too many feelings, my photographer and I also stumbled upon this restaurant when we were on assignment nearby and beckoned by their lunch specials.
This is one of the most affordable and delicious restaurants in Rhode Island. So delicious, I wrote an entire entry profiling the restaurant (here). My late aunt’s favorite dish (also mine) when I was young are pan-fried noodles. They’re crispy noodles with meat and vegetable stir-fry on the top, with plenty of sauce.
New Asia House is a really big restaurant with plenty of seating space (no wait), and also a locally-owned business, which I love supporting. When I left NBC10 to move to New York City, this was where we hosted my going away party.
A perk of this spot: they have a massive menu, featuring all types of food from Asia. The dim sum (a style of Chinese cuisine prepared as small bite-sized portions of food served in small steamer baskets), sushi, and various noodles guaranteed to keep you full.
If you check it out, tell “Yen” (the owner), I say, “Hello!” And that I’m craving those pan-friend noodles. He’ll make sure your visit is special.
Map your GPS to: 300 Quaker Ln, Warwick, RI 02886
Den Den Fried Chicken: I would not have associated fried chicken with Korean food, but here it is. This is a small, but cozy and welcoming, restaurant with authentic Korean food. I came here a lot to eat by myself because there’s a lot of booths perfect for enjoying a meal alone without feeling too conspicuous. It’s
I usually pick between their rice bowls, and also take home leftovers. They also have a gluten-free menu
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Nick’s on Broadway: I’m featuring this restaurant for its sustainability practices and work on locally sourcing food, another farm-to-table classic find. This spot fills up quickly for brunch, so expect a wait. Also, parking can be tight along the street, so get there early. I haven’t gone to their dinner yet, because the brunch is what gets rave reviews from locals.
Chef Derek Wagner actually opened Nick’s when he was 24 years old, with an ambitious plan: have a restaurant that uses a majority of local growers, producers, farmers, fishermen, and artisans. I’ve seen him cook at the one of the Rhode Island eat and drink shows, and it’s clear he wants his restaurant to do good for the community, but he also has a passion for cooking.
It’s one of my favorite brunch spots, and my friends and I usually sit at the bar for a shorter wait-time. Plus, the bartenders and everyone who works behind the counter is so friendly, it feels homey.
Map your GPS to: 500 Broadway, Providence RI.
PVDonuts: Switching gear from restaurants, this is an all-call for donut lovers! It’s a popular spot in Rhode Island (with lines in the morning) for local hand-crafted specialty donuts.
The donut menu here consistently changes every month, so it’s hard to review particular donuts without a permanent menu; my friends and I usually pick out a spread to try, with an elaborate taste test.
PVDonuts also has vegan and flourless donuts, if that’s
Map your GPS to: 79 Ives Street, Providence, Rhode Island s
Tea and Java’s: I hear this has (temporarily?) closed since I moved from Rhode Island to New York City. But in case it re-opens here or at another location, I’ll still add this to the list.
So let me switch gears from restaurants and reveal (with hesitation, because it’s one of my best-kept secrets) my favorite café in Rhode Island. I came here alone a lot to have a good cup of coffee, read, write and I actually booked and planned my first solo travel to Costa Rica sitting at their tables.
Students come here for the quiet ambient noise to study. There’s wifi at this spot, though a time limit.
I’d also note: this would be the perfect first-date spot; they serve coffee, plenty of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options… and… wait for it: wine and other alcoholic drinks. Perfect for whatever mood you’re in.
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Matunuk Oyster Bar: Our last stop is the restaurant where I celebrated my summer birthday! I’ve featured Matunuk Oyster Bar. The (mostly) seafood restaurant’s right on the water with beautiful sunset views.
They usually have a long wait; they give you the buzzers, and to make it more efficient, there’s a website where you can see what number they’re calling and where you are in the waiting list. It isn’t a terrible system because while you’re waiting, with a fairly good time prediction, you can help yourself to the outdoor patio bar, which can fit a good-sized crowd.
Matunuck Oyster Bar is a farm-to-table restaurant, which means they use fresh, locally grown produce with farm-raised and wild-caught seafood for their dishes. It’s a restaurant founded by an actual oysterman.
Map your GPS to: 629 SuccotashRd, Wakefield, RI 02879
Have more favorite eating spots in Rhode Island?
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